Veteranology

Redmond Ramos is a former FMF Navy Corpsman and founder of Redmond Ramos STS, where is he continues to serve as a motivational speaker.  During a deployment to Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, where he joined up with the marines and sailors as a combat replacement, Redmond was struck by an IED, severely injuring his left leg.  After failed attempts to save his leg he decided to have the medical staff perform a below-the-knee amputation. Shortly after Redmond has his leg removed he continued his fight through physical therapy.  He was not about to be stopped by his injury, nor let it define him.  It would merely become a part of who he was.  He began to train for the Warrior Games, an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill and injured service members.  He doesn't stop there and his incredible story is one of the greatest Veteranology has gotten to host to this point. Redmond Ramos STS - http://www.redmondramos.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redmondramos.com The Travis Manion

In this episode of Veteranology I visit the HyprLoco Global Headquarters here in downtown Denver.  I got to sit down with HyprLoco's co-founder & CEO Nic Gray.  Nic served in the Army from 2004 to 2007 as a Tanker.  Nic joined the Army halfway through his twenties after a long history of entrepreneurial endeavors starting all the way back when he was 10.  He served a tour in Iraq, was stop-lossed, and after coming back stateside, was quickly back out in the civilian world creating business opportunities. Diligence, research, and networking led him to an "Ahha!" moment shortly after meeting HyprLoco co-founder and CTO Damon Baker, a Marine Corps veteran entrepreneur with his eyes on the changing future marketplace.  They took their combined ideas and founded HyprLoco three years ago. HyprLoco is an intelligence platform that is currently focused on allowing businesses treat every one of their customers as a regular.  This is done by providing business intelligence to the companies on customers that have wa

Curt Bean is an Army veteran and the Executive Director of the Art of War project based out of Denver, CO.  Curt served two tours in Iraq, each lasting more than a year.  After leaving the service he spent time traveling but soon started to wonder what was next for him.  He moved to Florida and started to work towards becoming a firefighter and EMT.  He passed all the training with flying colors but his PTSD was flagged as a disqualifying factor.  Curt had moved to Denver to start his firefighting career and after finding that this would not be the path he would take signed into a PTSD in-patient clinic at the local VA Hospital. While at the VA Hospital he saw that art was not being included into the program as much as he thought it could.  With the help of some of his mentors he brought an art therapy program to the in-patient clinic and then expanded it into the community, eventually starting his own non-profit based out of downtown Denver.  Curt has an amazing story to tell and a lot of hope to share with

Another great episode is here!  I am joined by Command Sergeant Major Wayne Robinson (Ret.) and he shares his amazing post-service journey.  There is a lot of wisdom and good advice all over this episode so make sure you have time to listen to the whole thing! Wayne attended grad school after 26 years of service in the United States Army.  He graduated from The University of Chicago - Booth school of business with his MBA in finance and entrepreneurship.  Against the odds other threw at him he found a job on Wall Street, eventually becoming a partner at Drexel Hamilton Investment Partners. While working on Wall Street Wayne realized that the problem solving skills veterans developed while serving in the military were precisely the skills companies needed in the private sector.  Seeing that the Student Veterans of America needed a CEO, he interviewed and took the position.  He now serves as a VA Secretary appointed advisor for the Committee on Education at the the Department of Veterans Affairs and is the Seni

This episode of Veteranology is with Travis Blair, an Army with 10 years active duty and now serving his second year in the Texas National Guard. Travis is currently a special education teacher at the elementary level and has now written his first children's book. When I asked him if he considered himself an entrepreneur he said he liked to use his father's words and calls himself a "Stuff-Maker." Travis got told "no" a lot while trying to publish his first book and he shares his wisdom about persistence and determination. My favorite quote from the episode: "But if you feel it's something that you want, do not let anyone take it from you." Travis also shares his belief in the importance of community and urges veterans to not only tend to their military relationships on social media but to put effort into building and fostering new relationships in your local area. If you'd like to help fund his Kickstarter there are still a few days left to get yourself an early copy of his book:  https://www.kickstarter.com

Retired Army Lt. Col. Jason Roncoroni joins me on Veteranology to talk about the non-profit Stop Soldier Suicide. Jason joined the organization last year as serves as their executive director. Stop Soldier Suicides takes a holistic approach to helping veterans battling anxiety, PTS, and suicidal thoughts.  Through a comprehensive communication plan and supporting caseworker network the veterans they serve are contacted on a regular basis to ensure their safety, well-being, and personal growth. Their goal is an amazing one: To not exist in 10 years or less, because the mission of finding the best solution to the veteran suicide rate has been found. Jason also shares his personal story and discusses in detail the anxiety and depression he felt leave the service and his path to healthy and fulfilling life. If you are, or know, a veteran in need of assistance you can call them at 1-844-889-5610 Links from the show: StopSoldierSuicide.org Book:  What it is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes Book: The Hero with a

I get on the mic to speak with Dr. Eric Wright, PhD, PMP, and MPM.  Eric is a navy veteran who eats, sleeps, and breathes project management.  He and his partner, retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Tim Dalhouse have created one of the most comprehensive programs for veterans looking to pursue a career leading projects and people in the civilian sector, Vets2PM. Vets2PM's mission is to help military veterans become project managers by inspiring them about the incredible value of their military experience to the lucrative field of project management, training them how to manage civilian projects and earn professional certifications, and preparing them to connect with employers who value their experience and expertise. Logistics, Intelligence, Admin, and...Combat Arms.  If you've planned, executed, or briefed missions in the military than you probably have what it takes to get your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.   Links from the show: Vets2PM.com Project Activities explanation for the P

Former Navy Corpsman (Greenside) David Shandera and I discuss his transition from the medical side of the military into the civilian medical field.  David lays out his advice for other veterans wanting to do the same.  He also gives specific advice for all veterans leaving the service on how to stay healthy and keep a positive outlook on life outside the military. We also discuss the challenge and prestige of being a 19 year old Navy Corpsman with the responsibility of keeping all those around you healthy and safe, some of the negative situations that can cause a veteran to want to leave the military, and the initial pitfalls a veteran can face during their first year out of the service.   Show links: Inkfidel: www.inkfidel.com Don't forget to use coupon code Veteranology at checkout for 10% off your order! Veteranology survey: http://goo.gl/forms/s79vY9BBGJ 

Episode 10!  Kenneth Elliott is a Marine Corps veteran, serving as a machine gunner for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Regiment from 2005 to 2009.  He served two tours, first to Iraq and then to Afghanistan. Kenneth is currently a police detective for the Houston, TX police department, assigned to murder investigations.  He has been a police officer for 5 years and has found great fulfillment in the line of duty.  During the episode we talk about the following and more: -The difficulties he faced and overcame as a white cop in an urban neighborhood with a large minority population. -The struggles of being a great Marine waiting to EAS and try and prepare for the civilian world. -His befriending of a WW2 Marine veteran who landed at and helped take Iwo Jima. -The efforts he and his partner took to help a homeless veteran reconnect with his distant family, get an ID and his birth certificate, and finally get VA support and a home. -His important advice for young marines, veterans leaving the service, and those

In this episode I sit down with Pete Bell. Pete Bell is a former Cavalry Scout who served with both the 82nd Airborne Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade. After leaving active duty in 2011 he returned to school completing his degree in Graphic Design with minors in Marketing and Art History. He has designed both the 2013 official Army Ten-Miler race tees and the 2015 IAVA (Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America) Veteran's Day Parade hoodies. He is the CEO of the military apparel lifestyle brand, Inkfidel, which he founded in 2013. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, Tristan and their three children. Show links: Inkfidel: www.inkfidel.com Don't forget to use coupon code Veteranology at checkout for 10% off your order! Veteranology survey: http://goo.gl/forms/s79vY9BBGJ 

Norman Goetz is a Marine Corps veteran and current Network Administrator for the city of Rock Island, IL. He served from 2004 to 2009 as a Special Intelligence System Administrator. He deployed to Fallujah, Iraq with the 5th Marines Regiment and then spent his last few years working for Headquarters Marine Corps within the Pentagon. In this episode Norman and I discuss his deployment to Iraq, what is was like working at the Pentagon as a young enlisted marine, the uncertainty he walked into leaving the service during the 2009 housing crisis, and much more.

Dr. Craig J. Bryan, PsyD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah. Dr. Bryan received his PsyD in clinical psychology Baylor University, and completed his clinical psychology residency at the Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He served four years in the Air Force on active duty as the Chief of Primary Care Psychology Services and Suicide Prevention Program Manager at Lackland AFB, and deployed to Iraq in 2009 as the Clinical Director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic located at Joint Base Balad (LSA Anaconda), Iraq. Dr. Bryan currently researchers suicide, psychological health, and resiliency among military personnel and veterans, and oversees two randomized controlled trials totaling approximately $3M testing interventions for suicidal military personnel at Fort Carson, Colorado. He also serves as the lead risk management consultant for the $25 million STRONG STAR Research Consortium

Jordan Meek and I met at the Marine Corps School of Infantry. He graduated on went on to serve with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. He served two tours in Iraq within the city of Ramadi. He left active duty in 2008 and moved home to Iowa. In Iowa Jordan went to college for communication technology and eventually found himself working for Union Pacific where he has been for the past 5 years. Now he raising a family and building a great a future. In this episode we discuss: The funny things that happen in bootcamp. The city of Ramadi and the mission Jordan supported there. Jordan's career growth and why he chose to get into communications. The hole left above Jordan's bunk by a dud mortar round. The importance of reaching out to fellow servicemembers for help and to find out how they are doing as well.

Russell Davies wanted to give other veterans the same healing and fulfillment he felt out in his kayak navigating rapids in the wilderness.  With that goal in mind he created PTSD, or Professional Transformation with Sports Development.  PTSD is a non-profit aimed at helping veterans deal with depression and intervening with veterans at risk of suicide. In this episode Russell and I discuss his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, his transition out of the Army, his discovery of the soothing yet dangerous world of kayaking wilderness rapids, and the creation of the organization PTSD. There is also a portion of this show where we discuss the filler word veterans are known to use, the F-Bomb.  We drop a few but it's all in good fun and to point out the problem we face when trying to find new conversation filler words like "um" and "uh."

Major AJ Scotti and I get on Veteranology to discuss his transition out of active duty over to the reserve side of the Marine Corps.  While continuing to serve he co-founded GreenCorps International with another marine and is in the process of combating veteran homelessness by providing afford housing from a unique angle. AJ also goes in-depth on the most important thing the Marine Corps taught him about leadership and how Marines and other service-members continue to be leaders in the top business around the country.

In this episode I have the honor of interviewing Dustin Batson, a Marine Corps veteran, my former point man, entrepreneur and business owner.  The West End Elixir Company opened its doors on September 10th of this year and business has been overwhelmingly good for Batson.  With half of his staff being veterans this should come at no surprise. Episode three contains too many nuggets of wisdom to put them all into the show notes. Here are a few parts to listen for: Using the reserves as a stepping stone out of the military.  (Throughout) 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines leading the way in Afghanistan.  (6:50 mark) The biggest challenge he faced moving into the civilian world.  (15:50) His rise through the bar ranks and leadership as a bar's general manager.  (19:30) He explains the fear and liberation of starting his own business.  (28:32) His future plans for success and where he is taking his business.  (41:06) You can find the West End Elixir Company website here.  There was also a recent news article about Batson

In this episode I sit down with "Raz", a Marine Corps veteran I served with in 2/7 Weapons Company.  Raz left the Marine Corps in 2008 and started on a 7 year journey that would eventually see him working construction, discovering his true passion for art, and eventually heading to San Fransisco to attend the Academy of Art University.  He is now a graphic designer and freelance illustrator/designer living mere feet from the beach. He started Create Art, his brand and business, and has sold clothing and art pieces here in the US and internationally in Germany, France, and the UK.  If you would like to see what Create Art has to offer the website is www.cr8art.com and you can also find Create Art on Instagram under the name @_createart_ Quote from the show: "You finally get to the point where life is hard not because you're struggling, but because you're choosing to do something difficult."

I interview Ryan and Darline Warner, two Marine veterans who met in their Transition Assistance Program and are now happily married with two kids.  They lift together, cook for each other, and both flourishing in their chosen careers.   Here are just a few of the topics we discuss: What it was like during transition, both while exiting the service and the first few months after? What can be done to help young veterans have a fulfilling transition into the civilian world? When do you finally realize you are living a lifestyle you actually want and not just struggling through.   The non-profit mentioned in the podcast:  Lift for the 22.  #LiftForThe22 is a military support network designed to use fitness as a tool to combat PTSD and veteran suicides. Their goal is to have a gym membership for every veteran.  You can check out Lift for the 22 at http://www.facebook.com/LiftForThe22